According to the Mayo Clinic, most cases of dry skin result from environmental factors. This means that even if you have a genetic predisposition to dry skin, there is usually something that you can do to improve the condition of your dry, cracked feet. Aside from the standard advice to drink more water, install a humidifier in your house, limiting bath time and avoiding harsh soaps, you can also improve the condition of your feet with a simple homemade foot balm. You simply rub the balm on your feet right after an evening bath and put on a pair of clean cotton socks over the balm. It is recommended to leave the socks in place overnight.
Step 1
Sterilize two 4 oz. containers with tight fitting lids by either running them through the dishwasher or boiling them in a hot water bath for at least five minutes. Set the containers and their lids out to drip dry.
Step 2
Heat the water over the stove, in the bottom of a double boiler, until the water simmers.
Step 3
Pour the almond oil and beeswax into the top of the double boiler. Stir constantly with the wooden spoon or spatula until the beeswax is completely melted, and the melted wax and almond oil are evenly blended.
Step 4
Turn the stove off and remove the double boiler from the heat. Immediately pour the wax and oil mixture through the funnel and into the 4 oz. containers you sterilized in Step 1. Put the lids on the containers and let them cool to room temperature before applying the cream to your feet.
Tips and Warnings
- If you don't have access to a double boiler, put the almond oil and beeswax in a microwave-safe container (preferably glass) and microwave until the beeswax is melted, stopping the microwave to stir the mixture thoroughly every 15 to 30 seconds of heating time.
Things You'll Need
- Double boiler
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Funnel
- 1 oz. grated or shaved beeswax
- 3/4 cup almond oil
References
- "Homemade'" Reader's Digest Books; 2007
- Mayo Clinic: Dry skin
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